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The cold and flu season has arrived and prevention is the best medicine, not only for oneself, but also for family, friends and coworkers, said a Texas Cooperative Extension specialist.
“Cold and flu season is a good time to look in a different light at the old adages about not taking your job home with you and leaving your personal life at home,” said Andrew B. Crocker, Extension gerontology health program specialist in Amarillo.
“You may be taking home more than just work,” Crocker said. “Cold and flu germs can stay on your hands from two to eight hours.”
Get a flu vaccination, he advised. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocate vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu.
“Even if you're unconcerned about yourself, think about your co-workers, family, neighbors, etc. In some cases, what you opt to do/not do impacts others,” Crocker said.
Vaccines are administered through shots or nasal inhalation, he said. A person’s age and health could determine which form of vaccination they receive.
But both are relatively inexpensive and are readily available, Crocker said. Also, Medicare Part B will pay for flu vaccination for beneficiaries.
“Also keep in mind there are some anti-viral medications you may take if you happen to get the flu, which may help alleviate symptoms,” he said.
In addition to getting the flu shot, Crocker offered, here are some prevention practices.
– Wash hands for 15-plus seconds – the time it takes to say the ABCs – with soap and warm water. Don't forget to wash the backs of the hands. This is especially important before and after working in common areas, such as copy rooms and mail rooms.
– Cover coughs and sneezes. Covering coughs and sneezes with one’s hands is not the best, but if it is necessary, be sure to wash them immediately. Try coughing or sneezing into a tissue or handkerchief, or cough into the elbow.
– Drink plenty of fluids. Get plenty of rest. Exercise. All these are good for overall health but also may help prevent/lessen the effects of a cold or flu.
– Stay home.
“If you are ill, please don't come to work,” Crocker said. “Your coworkers will thank you. The same goes for your kids, keep them home from school.”
One last note he offers is: the flu and common colds are caused by viruses; antibiotics have no effect on them.
“Many times we're upset with our health providers if we leave the office without a prescription for an antibiotic,” Crocker said. “Be aware that antibiotics may be effective in treating bacterial infections, but not viral.”
© Copyright 2005-2008 by Kaufman County Online
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| Last Updated: Aug 13th, 2008 - 22:48:38 |
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